Pokerstars: The End of an Era

#1 11th May 2011, 5:20 AM

Hey all,

I first heard about the FBI's actions on Pokerstars and others amidst an immense amount of the school work. My semester was coming to an end and I had neither the time nor the desire to play. Today I finished my last final and went home for the Summer and after sitting on the computer for just over an hour I've come to realize how much I'm going to miss playing online. Now before you say anything--I know there are still sites I can play on, but they won't be the same.

Pokerstars was a fantastic site with exceptional quality, high traffic, and incredibly responsive customer service. I never once had to worry about finding a game or receiving my winnings. In addition to these qualities Pokerstars exemplified the poker-boom more so than any other online provider.

I've always been interested in the game, but I first became completely enamored during the airing of the 2005 WSOP. At the time I was a 14 year old kid looking for something to watch on a Saturday afternoon. I ended up watching a marathon and became infatuated with no only the strategy involved, but also the compelling characters.

As we all know, the 2005 WSOP changed poker forever. The number of entrants began to grow exponentially and soon all of my older relatives began playing on Pokerstars. At the time I could sit for hours watching my uncles play SNGs--sometimes even getting to play for a $1 or so. Ever since the game has been a part of my life.

I'm now 20 and I've been playing the game I love online for a few years now. My success online has even driven me to make the trip up to Turning Stone Casino in New York--where I have experience even greater success. I had plans of playing more hands than ever before this summer in the hopes of preparing a bigger live bankroll for when I turn 21 next year. This might not be possible now.

I apologize for the rambling, but what this comes down to is I miss the game as it has been for the past few years. While it may emerge out of this mess--I fear it will not be the same as it was before. Television programming has already decreased and the Main Event isn't seeing the numbers it was just a few years ago.

I really hope things get worked out because I truly believe that this is a game of school the government has no right to deem illicit. I hope to play again soon and am welcome to room suggestions for US microstakes players.

Thanks for reading,

TheWall

#2 11th May 2011, 5:29 AM

You'll probably turn 21 before there is any really decent online site (either regulated or otherwise) available.

For now, most people seem to be going with Carbon or Bodog.

At least when you do turn 21, you can hit Delaware Park. They have a great room there.

#3 11th May 2011, 5:38 AM

Well said , loved playing there also and will miss the customer service they provided . Received my final payout today as promised , none of the other sites seem as eager or able to step up . I hope it all works out in the end , time will tell.

#4 11th May 2011, 7:34 AM

Does this mean I really should empty my Stars account? I suppose it was a fools hope to think they'd come back to me.

And yeah...I can't wait to go to Delaware Park =)

#5 11th May 2011, 3:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheWall

Does this mean I really should empty my Stars account? I suppose it was a fools hope to think they'd come back to me.

And yeah...I can't wait to go to Delaware Park =)

Definitely cash it out.

#6 11th May 2011, 5:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheWall

Hey all,

I first heard about the FBI's actions on Pokerstars and others amidst an immense amount of the school work. My semester was coming to an end and I had neither the time nor the desire to play. Today I finished my last final and went home for the Summer and after sitting on the computer for just over an hour I've come to realize how much I'm going to miss playing online. Now before you say anything--I know there are still sites I can play on, but they won't be the same.

Pokerstars was a fantastic site with exceptional quality, high traffic, and incredibly responsive customer service. I never once had to worry about finding a game or receiving my winnings. In addition to these qualities Pokerstars exemplified the poker-boom more so than any other online provider.

I've always been interested in the game, but I first became completely enamored during the airing of the 2005 WSOP. At the time I was a 14 year old kid looking for something to watch on a Saturday afternoon. I ended up watching a marathon and became infatuated with no only the strategy involved, but also the compelling characters.

As we all know, the 2005 WSOP changed poker forever. The number of entrants began to grow exponentially and soon all of my older relatives began playing on Pokerstars. At the time I could sit for hours watching my uncles play SNGs--sometimes even getting to play for a $1 or so. Ever since the game has been a part of my life.

I'm now 20 and I've been playing the game I love online for a few years now. My success online has even driven me to make the trip up to Turning Stone Casino in New York--where I have experience even greater success. I had plans of playing more hands than ever before this summer in the hopes of preparing a bigger live bankroll for when I turn 21 next year. This might not be possible now.

I apologize for the rambling, but what this comes down to is I miss the game as it has been for the past few years. While it may emerge out of this mess--I fear it will not be the same as it was before. Television programming has already decreased and the Main Event isn't seeing the numbers it was just a few years ago.

I really hope things get worked out because I truly believe that this is a game of school the government has no right to deem illicit. I hope to play again soon and am welcome to room suggestions for US microstakes players.

Thanks for reading,

TheWall

I'm twenty from the Northeast too man. Turning 21 in September. What school do you go to? I'm from UMass.

#7 11th May 2011, 5:34 PM

Yes, as usual the nanny government has stepped in to protect us at the cost of our freedom! Will be interesting to see if the government effectively ends all online poker over the next few years, or if it will emerge in a new way.

#8 11th May 2011, 7:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarryT503

Yes, as usual the nanny government has stepped in to protect us at the cost of our freedom! Will be interesting to see if the government effectively ends all online poker over the next few years, or if it will emerge in a new way.

what if we all agreed to wear seatbelts, helmets and not talk on our cell phones while playing poker

phew ... how long before the mess with Carbon, etc.

#9 11th May 2011, 8:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rssurfer54

I'm twenty from the Northeast too man. Turning 21 in September. What school do you go to? I'm from UMass.

I go attend St. Mary's College of Maryland--its a small public liberal arts school.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fugitive67

what if we all agreed to wear seatbelts, helmets and not talk on our cell phones while playing poker

phew ... how long before the mess with Carbon, etc.

I know--it really is ridiculous. Whats even more despicable is they sponsor lotteries as a means of revenue which are even more regressive in the sense that they target those in a lower income bracket. Poker is a game of skill and should be treated as such.

As for them messing with Carbon--I don't know if its going to happen. Carbon and Bodog don't have nearly the same player base that Stars and Full Tilt did. We'll see--though I do think it is possible that Bodog and Carbon could pull out of the market if the owners of Pokerstars and Full Tilt are severely penalized.

#10 11th May 2011, 8:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smd173

At least when you do turn 21, you can hit Delaware Park. They have a great room there.

lucky for me I live one min. from delaware park.lol I could walk there but the wait time to be seat at a table is soooo long.
Dover down has a great room as well a entire floor for it.
Anyone want to go play at delaware park sometime hit me up.

#11 11th May 2011, 8:44 PM

I was going to attempt to go to turning stone this summer. Im 19, turning 20 this year. What are your thoughts about that resort? Is it nice? Also, I heard the level of play there is nothing short of everyone just tryin to have a good time.

#12 11th May 2011, 8:49 PM

Its about time these fraudulant sites were hit, There deals clearly deflect from true probability due to progamming programmed bias.
This is cheating and I welcome the heavy hand to date and hope they close tese crooks down

#13 11th May 2011, 8:50 PM

Just cashed out my account--this really is sad.

#14 11th May 2011, 8:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donksite

Its about time these fraudulant sites were hit, There deals clearly deflect from true probability due to progamming programmed bias.
This is cheating and I welcome the heavy hand to date and hope they close tese crooks down

someone must of been a losing player

#15 11th May 2011, 8:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by usetheion13

I was going to attempt to go to turning stone this summer. Im 19, turning 20 this year. What are your thoughts about that resort? Is it nice? Also, I heard the level of play there is nothing short of everyone just tryin to have a good time.

I've been there twice and had a blast both times. I've stayed at the Microtel Suites both times, but learned last time that if you call the resort and ask for the "Poker Rate" you get a discounted room and can stay onsite for a comprable price. I'm not entirely sure, but would definitely recommended looking into it.

As for the level of play I would agree with that assessment to a point. While there are a lot of very poor players there are also some sharks. The trick is to recognize the difference and play accordingly--isn't it always? I've had a great deal of success there playing a TAG style at the $1-$2 tables.

I'm hoping to get up there again this summer. I hope this helps.

#16 12th May 2011, 5:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dreams of Tragedy

lucky for me I live one min. from delaware park.lol I could walk there but the wait time to be seat at a table is soooo long.

Why don't you call over? I know they put call ins on the list. Probably wouldn't have to wait as long, even though you're close.

#17 12th May 2011, 9:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smd173

Why don't you call over? I know they put call ins on the list. Probably wouldn't have to wait as long, even though you're close.

I have and it also depends on who you get...some people there that work there I played against and they kind of don't like me too well..lol

#18 12th May 2011, 9:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dreams of Tragedy

I have and it also depends on who you get...some people there that work there I played against and they kind of don't like me too well..lol

Tell them if they want their money back, they should become better players!!!! haha

#19 23rd May 2011, 8:16 AM

Just got $50 on Carbon! I'm back! Time to stick it to the man.

#20 23rd May 2011, 9:18 PM

Yea, RIP pokerstars.

I'd be nervous to put any significant amount of money on any site now as a US citizen. My poker career ended on black friday

I worry that anyone in the US who is putting money on other sites is simply asking for future headaches. But then again, I'm a nit.

#21 24th May 2011, 4:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rssurfer54

I'm twenty from the Northeast too man. Turning 21 in September. What school do you go to? I'm from UMass.

Umass Amherst?

#22 24th May 2011, 5:00 AM

I don't believe this is the end of Stars for US players, it's going to take a time to they come back, but they will. The bigger problem for me is Full Tilt, they even aren't paying the cash outs.
It sucks to have so few options to play online and if the biggest rooms were closed so suddenly, I don't really trust in the others rooms. So, I won't put much money there too.

#23 2nd June 2011, 4:53 AM

FTP was the best site for clear cards ever made. I still get migraines and misreads on the other sites. Stars had the best customer service I've ever seen in my life for an on-line site.

This is a bunch of poop. I hope they bring back these big and reliable sites, they were fun. So many boring nights babysitting my sick G/F they really saved me from insanity.

Similar Threads for: Pokerstars: The End of an Era > Texas Hold'em Poker
Thread	Replies	Last Post	Forum	Thread Starter
Joe Hachem no longer a PokerStars Team Pro	4	23rd December 2011 8:44 PM	General Poker	OzExorcist
PokerStars bans me for no reason..mods adds "for suspected multi-accounting"	29	9th November 2011 6:26 PM	Poker Deposit & Withdrawal Methods	MeowImQh
* April Asperger Apricot Auto-Erotic Asphyxiation Serious Poker Content Chat Thread*	1925	1st May 2011 6:15 PM	Cash Games	Marginal

Play Texas Hold'em Online Poker \| Pokerstars: The End of an Era
PokerStars is one of the best places to play poker online. Use PokerStars marketing code CCHAT for a $600 bonus. Note: No US Players Accepted.	Carbon Poker operates on the popular Merge network. This is a great site for freerolls. Get a bonus of 150% upto $750 using Carbon Poker coupon code CC750.